Dosan Saito

Dosan Saito (1494-28 May 1556), also called Toshimasa Saito, was the daimyo of the Saito clan and lord of Mino Province and one of the original enemies of Nobuhide Oda. In 1545 he married Miyo Saito into the Oda clan and made a trade agreement and alliance with the Oda, establishing a diplomatic truce.

Biography
Dosan Saito was originally a wealthy merchant from Yamashiro Province, near Kyoto, serving the Toki of Mino Province under the name of "Nishimura Kankuro". In 1542, having set up a base at Mt. Inaba Castle, Dosan took over Mino Province from the Toki. He fought with Yorinari Toki, who allied with the Oda, and he defeated the Toki at the Battle of Kanoguchi in 1547.

To make amends with the Oda, he agreed to marry his daughter Miyo Saito to the Oda clan, and he also made a trade agreement and an alliance. Dosan was feeble with meagre wealth, and although he was ambitious, he was also dependable.

Dosan Saito died in battle with his son Yoshitatsu Saito in the Battle of Nagaragawa, with his 2500 troops facing 17500 rebel troops. He was killed and the Saito clan taken over by his son.